SOC Analyst and Blue Team Certifications Compared
Security operations certifications cover monitoring, detection, alert triage, and the defense of networks and endpoints. They range from entry-level analyst exams to hands-on investigation labs.
By Level
Certifications Compared
10 total| Certification | Issuer | Level | Exam | Exam fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTL1 Blue Team Level 1 | Centri | Entry | Hands-on practical | £399 | Does not expire |
| GSEC GIAC Security Essentials | GIAC | Entry | Multiple choice and performance-based | $999 | 4 years |
| Security+ CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | Entry | Multiple choice and performance-based | $439 | 3 years |
| CySA+ CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst | CompTIA | Intermediate | Multiple choice and performance-based | $439 | 3 years |
| GCIA GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst | GIAC | Intermediate | Multiple choice and performance-based | $999 | 4 years |
| GCIH GIAC Certified Incident Handler | GIAC | Intermediate | Multiple choice and performance-based | $999 | 4 years |
| GMON GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification | GIAC | Intermediate | Multiple choice and performance-based | $999 | 4 years |
| HTB CDSA HTB Certified Defensive Security Analyst | Hack The Box | Intermediate | Hands-on practical | $210 | Does not expire |
| SC-200 Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate | Microsoft | Intermediate | Multiple choice | $165 | 1 year |
| SSCP Systems Security Certified Practitioner | ISC2 | Intermediate | Computerized adaptive | $249 | 3 years |
Related Tool Categories
Packet capture tools, protocol analyzers, and network security monitors for traffic visibility.
SIEM platforms, EDR agents, SOAR automation, and detection rule engines for security operations.
Threat intelligence platforms, IOC sharing communities, and STIX/TAXII tooling for collecting and distributing threat data.
More Certification Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
Which soc analyst certifications are entry level?→
Positioned as entry level by their issuers: BTL1 (Blue Team Level 1), GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials), Security+ (CompTIA Security+).
Which soc analyst certifications have hands-on exams?→
BTL1, HTB CDSA test with a practical lab exam. The others use question-based exams, some with performance-based items.
Which soc analyst certifications do not expire?→
BTL1, HTB CDSA do not expire, according to the issuer. The others require renewal through continuing education, fees, or a new exam.
Levels follow each issuer's own positioning and stated experience requirements. Exam fees and formats come from official issuer pages; each certification page lists its sources and review date.